body surface area of Saudi newborns

ABSTRACT

Cancer chemotherapy drugs, fluids and electrolytes are best dosed per square meter of body surface area [BSA]. Since newborns have an exceptionally large surface to mass ratio, their BSA needs to be accurately estimated, if it is to serve as a safe denominator for drugs and fluids. In this study, BSA was measured directly in 15 full-term Saudi newborns, using a coating technique. The data was used to construct a BSA weight-length prediction formula. Mean body mass index [BMI +/- SD] of our subjects was 12.56 +/- 1.29 kg/m2 and surface to mass ratio,.068 +/- .005 m2/kg. The closest fit to measured values was given by the regression equation BSA [m2] = 0.03614H0.294W0.529 +/- 0.0027 [SEE] A simplified formula based on weight alone BSA = 7.4 + 4.2W +/- 0.0022[SEE] was derived for bedside use, in urgent situations. Our formulae may be applicable to non-Saudi newborns, if as expected, body size and shape variations in different populations develop after birth